Michigan State safety Kurtis Drummond knew he had to make a statement Monday at Big Ten media days. Meeting the media in Chicago with the reigning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year (Shilique Calhoun) and Big Ten title game and Rose Bowl Game MVP (Connor Cook), Drummond didn’t want to go unnoticed. So, he rocked a suit – and shoes – that made people take notice.

It’s strange to think of this, but Ohio State brings a two-game losing streak into the season. It’s true. Look it up. The Buckeyes ended last season with losses to Michigan and then to Clemson in the Orange Bowl. That followed a 24-0 start to the Urban Meyer regime. Now, for his next act, Meyer is looking to lead Ohio State to its first Big Ten title since … 2009.

What will Michigan State do for an encore? Last season was one for the ages, as the Spartans went 13-1, won the Big Ten and captured the Rose Bowl. The challenge is to stay hungry. Will MSU still have that chip on the shoulder? That spark? That desire to win big now that the Spartans have scaled the summit?

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald clarified comments he recently made about Nebraska fans. “It’s a pretty boring state, so they’re really excited to see Chicago,” Fitzgerald told the Chicago Tribune last week. “I talked to the state senator about putting state troopers out on I-80 (to block them.)”